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Beta-glucan ameliorates methotrexate-induced oxidative organ injury via its antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects

Göksel Sener1, Emel Ekşioğlu-Demiralp, Mustafa Cetiner

  • 1Marmara University, School of Pharmacy, Tibbiye Cad. 34668 Istanbul, Turkey. gsener@marmara.edu.tr

European Journal of Pharmacology
|June 24, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Beta-glucan may protect against methotrexate toxicity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. This study found beta-glucan mitigated methotrexate-induced damage in rats, suggesting therapeutic potential.

Area of Science:

  • Pharmacology and Toxicology
  • Immunology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Methotrexate (MTX) is a crucial antifolate drug for rheumatic diseases and cancers.
  • MTX efficacy is often compromised by severe side effects, including oxidative stress.
  • Understanding protective agents against MTX toxicity is clinically significant.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential protective effects of beta-glucan against methotrexate-induced toxicity.
  • To evaluate beta-glucan's impact on oxidative stress markers and tissue damage.
  • To assess beta-glucan's influence on immune cell responses.

Main Methods:

  • Rats received a single dose of methotrexate (20 mg/kg) followed by saline or beta-glucan (50 mg/kg) orally for 5 days.
  • Tissues (ileum, liver, kidney) and blood were analyzed for malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and collagen.
  • Histological examination, leukocyte apoptosis, and neutrophil oxidative burst (stimulation index) were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Methotrexate significantly depleted GSH and increased MDA, MPO activity, and collagen content in tissues.
  • Beta-glucan administration reversed GSH depletion and inhibited increases in MDA, MPO activity, and collagen.
  • Beta-glucan attenuated MTX-induced tissue damage, reduced leukocyte apoptosis, and normalized neutrophil oxidative burst.

Conclusions:

  • Beta-glucan demonstrates significant antioxidant and immunoregulatory properties.
  • Beta-glucan may alleviate methotrexate-induced leukocyte apoptosis and oxidative tissue injury.
  • Beta-glucan shows therapeutic potential in mitigating intestinal, liver, and kidney side effects of methotrexate.

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